Warning: The information in this archived item was not confirmed with the appropriate National Plant Protection Organization and is provided solely for informational purposes. Please use this information with caution.

During the 1997-1998 agricultural season, large populations of a whitefly initially identified as Bemisia tabaci was reported to be significantly damaging sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) yields in the coastal valleys of Peru. However, after further study, the infestation was determined to have been caused by B. afer sens. lat., whose adults were also observed on pepino (Solanum muricatum). This outbreak is the first reported for B. afer sens. lat. in an agricultural setting in the Americas. In the old world, this whitefly is widespread; records exist from Africa, Australia, southeastern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and several Pacific islands.